Control panel assembly for washing machine

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a control panel assembly for a washing machine, capable of making possible replacement of an information sheet. The control panel assembly includes a control panel configured to allow a user to operate the washing machine, a window which covers the control panel and which is provided to the control panel in a detachable manner, and an information sheet which includes information assisting a use of the washing machine and which is provided between the control panel and the window so as to be exchangeable for a different sheet.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Applications No. P2004-0012593, filed on Feb. 25, 2004, and No. P2004-0012594, filed on Feb. 25, 2004, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a control panel assembly for a washing machine.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Generally, a washing machine performs washing, rinsing and dewatering so as to separate dirt from clothes by the interaction of detergent and water. In such a washing machine, a drum accommodating laundry is disposed inside a tub containing washing water therein, and the laundry is washed while the drum rotates inside the tub. Recently, to satisfy user's various requirements, the washing machine further includes a heating function for washing the laundry in hot washing water, and a drying function for drying the laundry.

A control panel assembly for giving instructions to such a washing machine, is provided to the washing machine. The control panel assembly also displays an operation status of the washing machine. The control panel assembly mainly includes a control panel having a mechanical switch such as a button and a knob, and a display element. A transparent window is installed on a front side of the control panel and an information sheet is provided to a backside of that window. The information sheet includes characters or symbols explaining the button and the display element so as to assist a use of the washing machine by a user. The information sheet is generally made in form of a film and coated on the window or the control panel.

The information sheet can be replaced if necessary since the information sheet provides a user with substantial information about use of the control panel. Particularly, in case the information sheet is written in a language not understandable by a user, the information sheet should be replaced to include a language understandable by a user. However, in the general control panel assembly, since the information sheet is coated, the window or the panel itself should be replaced. Such replacement of the window or the control panel is very inconvenient and costs much.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a control panel assembly for a washing machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a control panel assembly for a washing machine that permits an easy replacement of the information sheet.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, there is provided a control panel assembly for a washing machine including: a control panel configured to allow a user to operate the washing machine; a window provided to the control panel in a detachable manner, for covering the control panel; and an information sheet which includes information assisting a use of the washing machine and which is provided between the control panel and the window so as to be exchangeable for a different sheet.

Preferably, the control panel may further include an element so that a user can supply a detergent to the washing machine. For this purpose, a detergent box installed in a sliding manner, is additionally provided.

Therefore, the control panel includes a first panel for giving an instruction of a specific function to the washing machine and displaying an operation status and a second panel for supplying a detergent to the washing machine.

Similarly, the window includes: a first window covering a user interface and a second window covering a detergent supply unit positioned adjacent to the user interface.

Such a window is directly coupled to the control panel without a coupling member, and accordingly, configured to be directly engaged with the control panel. More specifically, the window includes at least one projecting part configured to be engaged with the control panel and such a projecting part is formed on an upper part of the window. The control panel includes at least one hook configured to be engaged with the projecting part and the projecting part further includes a hole into which the hook is inserted. Preferably, the control panel also includes a recess for receiving the projecting part.

Alternatively, the window can be partially coupled to the control panel by means of a coupling member. More specifically, the window has a flange which will be fixed on the control panel by means of a coupling member and such a flange is formed on an upper end of the window. The flange includes at least one fastening hole and the control panel includes a fastening hole communicated with the fastening hole formed on the flange.

Also, the window includes at least one projecting part which will be fit in the control panel and the projecting part is formed on a lower part of the window. The control panel includes a hole for receiving the projecting part, and preferably, further includes a step portion for supporting the window.

The information sheet includes characters, patterns, symbols, and colors indicating functions and status of the washing machine, or includes explanations about an operation method of the washing machine or a warning with regard to the use of the washing machine. The information sheet is configured to be able to be separated from the panel or the window, and more specifically, the information sheet is not attached to the control panel or the window. Such an information sheet can be exchanged for different information sheet including different information, or by different information sheet written by a different language.

According to the present invention, the information sheet can be freely replaced according to a user's need, which provides convenience to a user.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine including a control panel assembly according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are a partial, perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a user interface of a control panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3B are a partial, perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a detergent supplying part of a control panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a partial, perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a user interface of a control panel assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a partial, perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, showing a detergent supplying part of a control panel assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine including a control panel assembly according to the present invention. The washing machine shown in FIG. 1 is a front loading type, but is almost similar to the top loading type washing machine except that a tub 22 and a drum 30 are laid. Hence, for the simplicity of description, although the present description will be made with respect to a front loading type washing machine, it will be apparent that the present invention can be also employed in a top loading type washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine includes, on the whole, a housing 10, a tub 20, and a drum 30 installed inside the housing 10.

The housing 10 is designed in such a way that a variety of parts are installed therein and protects such parts. The housing 10 has, at its front, a door 11 for opening and closing an inlet 10 a connected with the drum 30, and laundry is loaded or unloaded to and from an inside of the drum 30 through the door 11. The tub 20 preliminarily stores washing water so as to supply washing water constantly to the drum 30 during a washing. The drum 30 accommodates laundry and is rotatably installed in an inside of the tube 20. The drum 30 includes a plurality of through holes 31 so that washing water may flow from the tub 20. Also, a plurality of baffles (or lifters) 32 are attached on an inner periphery of the drum 30 so that the laundry may be properly mixed. Though not shown, an operation part is installed in the tub 20 to provide power for rotation to the drum 30.

The operation part includes a motor and an operation shaft for directly connecting the drum and the motor. Alternatively, the operation part may include a general operation mechanism having the drum, pulleys installed on the motor, and a belt for connecting the pulleys.

A control panel assembly 100 is provided in the washing machine so as to control an operation of the washing machine. Although installed on a front of the housing 10 as shown in the drawing, the control panel assembly 100 may be provided on a top surface of the housing 10. The control panel assembly 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1 and the related drawings in the following.

FIGS. 2A through 3B are partial, perspective views and cross-sectional views showing a control panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4A through 5B are partial, perspective views and cross-sectional views showing a control panel assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 1, the control panel assembly 100 includes a control panel 110, a window 120 and an information sheet 130 provided to the control panel 110 so that they may be shown to a user.

The control panel 110 is configured to allow a user to operate the washing machine. Namely, a user fundamentally can give instructions about a specific function and operation and check current status of the washing machine using the control panel 110. For this purpose, a switch such 111 as a button 111 a or a knob 111 b is installed on the control panel so as to provide an operation instruction to the washing machine. Also, a display element 112 such as an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an LED (light emitting diode) is installed adjacent to the switches 111 so that it may display an operation status of the washing machine. The switch 111 and the display element 112 constitute so-called a user interface for an operation of the washing machine.

In the meantime, the washing machine has a separate detergent supply unit to properly supply detergent to an inside of the tub 20 and the drum 30. Since supplying a detergent is essential for washing, the supply unit is manipulated by a user before an operation of the washing machine. Therefore, the supply unit is installed adjacent to the user interface 111 and 112 for an easy access by a user. Further, the supply unit is incorporated into the user interfaces 111 and 112 for efficient design of the washing machine. Namely, the control panel 110 makes possible a detergent supply by a user in addition to a basic operation instructions and status checking functions. More specifically, the control panel 110 has a detergent box 113 provided to a side of the user interface 111 and 112 as clearly shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A. The detergent box 113 generally has a drawer shape and is slidably installed at an opening 113 c formed on the control panel 110. The detergent box 113 includes a container 113 a for storing a detergent and a front panel 113 b attached to a front part of the container 113 a and having a knob for a user. A detergent is supplied to the detergent box 113 by a user before washing, and when washing starts, washing water delivers the detergent to the tub 20 and the drum 30 while flowing through the detergent box 113, more exactly, the container 113 a. Resultantly, by having such a detergent supplying function, the control panel 100 is divided, in its function, into a first panel 110 a including the user interfaces 111 and 112 for giving an operation instruction and displaying an operation status, and a second panel 110 b having the detergent box 113 for supplying a detergent.

As shown in FIG. 1, the window 120 is mounted on the front of the control panel 110 so as to cover the control panel 110. The window 120 is formed of a transparent material so that a user can view an information sheet 130 provided on a backside of the window 120. More specifically, the window 120 includes a first window 120 a for covering the first panel 110 a and a second window 120 b for covering the second panel 110 b. Namely, the first window 120 a covers the user interface and the second window 120 b covers the detergent box 113, more exactly, the front panel 113 b of the detergent box as shown in FIGS. 3A and 5A. Since the window 120 is detachably installed on the control panel 110, the information sheet 130 between the window 120 and the control panel 110 can be exchanged for a different sheet. For such detachable installation, the window 120 may be directly coupled to the control panel 110 without using a coupling member. A first embodiment of such a window 120 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2A through 3B.

In the first embodiment, parts of the first and the second windows 120 a and 120 b are directly engaged with the control panel 110, more exactly, the first panel 110 a and the front panel 113 b, respectively, so that they may be coupled to the panels 110 a and 113 b. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, each of the windows 120 a and 120 b has at least one projecting part 121 engaged with each of the panels 110 a and 113 b. Preferably, for stable joining, a plurality of projecting parts 121 are formed at each of the windows 120 a and 120 b. The projecting parts 121 are formed at upper parts of the windows 120 a and 120 b so as to coupled to upper parts of the panels 110 a and 113 b. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, each panel 110 a and 113 b has at least one hook 114 a configured to be engaged with each projecting part 121. The projecting parts 121 further include holes into which the hooks 114 a are inserted, for stable joining to the hooks 114 a. Also, for more rigid joining, each panel 110 a and 113 b preferably has a recess 114 b for receiving the projecting parts 121.

Alternatively, the window 120 may be partially coupled to the control panel 110 in a detachable manner by means of a coupling member. A second embodiment of such a window 120 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 4A through 5B. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, each window 120 a and 120 b has a flange 123 to be fixed at each panel 110 a and 113 b by means of a coupling member. The flanges 123 are formed at upper ends of the windows 120 a and 120 b so that they may coupled to upper ends of the panels 110 a and 113 b. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, each flange 123 has at least one fastening hole 123 a, and a plurality of fastening holes 123 a is preferably formed at each of the flange 123, for stable joining. Also, each panel 110 a and 113 b includes fastening holes 116 communicating with the fastening holes 123 a, and such fastening holes 123 a and 116 and a coupling member 123 b are coupled to the upper ends of the windows 120 a and 120 b, respectively.

As described in both the first and the second embodiments, each window 120 a and 120 b has at least one projecting part 122 formed at its each lower end and fit in each panel 110 a and 113 b as shown in FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4B, and 5B. Also, holes 115 a for receiving the projecting parts 122 are formed at the panels 110 a and 113 b. Also, step portions 115 b are formed at a lower part of the panels 110 a and 113 b to support the lower ends of the windows 120 a and 120 b coupled to the panels 110 a and 113 b. The lower ends of the windows 120 a and 120 b are stably coupled to the panels 110 a and 113 b by means of the projecting parts 122 and the holes 115 a.

The information sheet 130 basically includes information for assisting a use of the washing machine. For example, the information sheet 130 may include characters, patterns, symbols, and colors indicating functions and status of the washing machine. Also, the information sheet 130 may include an explanation about an operation method of the washing machine or a warning or a caution with regard to the use of the washing machine. All such information may be included in the information sheet 130 by a variety of methods such as printing, embossed carving, and coating. The information sheet 130 is provided between the control panel 110 and the window 120. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the information sheet 130 substantially includes a first sheet 130 a for the first panel 110 a and a second sheet 130 b for the second panel 110 b, more exactly, the second panel 110 b located on the front panel 113 b. Such an information sheet 130, if necessary, is provided to the control panel 110 in a replaceable manner. For this purpose, the information sheet 130 is configured to be instantly separable from the control panel 110 and the window 120. Namely, the information sheet 130 is not physically attached to the control panel 110 or the window 120. Therefore, the information sheet 130 can be exchanged for a different information sheet including different information according to a user's need. For example, an information sheet 130 including more detail explanations or symbols, patterns, colors more easy for a user to understand, can be newly applied to the control panel assembly 100. Also, in case the information sheet is written by a language not understandable by a user, the information sheet 130 can be exchanged for a different information sheet written by a different language understandable by a user.

Operation of the control panel assembly according to the present invention will be described in the following.

In case the information sheet 130 needs to be exchanged for a different sheet, the windows 120 a and 120 b are separated from the panels 110 a and 113 b on the first place. In the first embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2B and 3B, with the windows 120 a and 120 b taken by a user, the upper ends of the windows 120 a and 120 b are pressed downward and pulled forward. By such pulling, the projecting parts 121 are released from the hook 114 a and the upper parts of the windows 120 a and 120 b are separated from the panels 110 a and 113 b. Also, in the second embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4B and 5B, if the coupling members 123 b are released and the windows 120 a and 120 b are pulled forward, the upper parts of the windows 120 a and 120 b are separated from the panels 110 a and 113 b.

If the windows 120 a and 120 b are pulled upward after the upper parts of the windows 120 a and 120 b are separated in accordance with the respective embodiment, the projecting parts 122 of the lower parts are detached from the holes 115 a and the windows 120 a and 120 b are completely separated from the panels 110 a and 113 b. After that, a user takes out the original information sheets 130 a and 130 b from the panels 110 a and 113 b, and puts in a different sheet desired by a user, e.g., a sheet including different information or a sheet written by a different language.

If the replacement is completed in this manner, the projecting parts 122 of the lower parts are inserted into the holes 115 a, and simultaneously, the lower ends of the windows 120 a and 120 b are supported by the step portions 115 b. After that, in case of the first embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2B and 3B, if the upper parts of the windows 120 a and 120 b are pushed toward the panels 110 a and 113 b, the projecting part 121 is engaged with the hook 114 a so that the windows 120 a and 120 b are stably coupled to the panels 110 a and 113 b. In the meantime, in case of the second embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4B and 5B, a user pushes the windows 120 a and 120 b toward the panels 110 a and 113 b so that the fastening holes 123 a and 116 are communicated with each other on the first place. After that, if the fastening holes 123 a and 116 are fastened by the coupling member 123 b, the windows 120 a and 120 b are stably coupled to the panels 110 a and 113 b.

According to the present invention as described above, the window is installed on the control panel in a detachable manner and the information sheet can be directly separated from the window and the control panel. Therefore, the information sheet can be exchanged for a different sheet in an easy and a convenient manner, and accordingly, a user has a convenience in using the washing machine.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A control panel assembly for a washing machine, comprising: a control panel configured to allow a user to operate the washing machine; a window covering the control panel and being provided to the control panel in a detachable manner; and an information sheet including information assisting a use of the washing machine, the information sheet being provided between the control panel and the window so as to be exchangeable for a different sheet.
 2. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the control panel is configured to allow a user to supply a detergent to the washing machine.
 3. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the control panel comprises a detergent box provided in a sliding manner.
 4. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the control panel comprises a first panel for instructing a specific function to the washing machine and displaying an operation status of the washing machine, and a second panel for supplying a detergent to the washing machine.
 5. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window comprises a first window for covering a user interface and a second window for covering a detergent supply unit positioned on the control panel to be adjacent to the user interface.
 6. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window is directly coupled to the control panel without a coupling member.
 7. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window is directly engaged with the control panel so that it may be coupled to the control panel.
 8. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window comprises at least one projecting part configured to be engaged with the control panel.
 9. The control panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the projecting part is formed at an upper part of the window.
 10. The control panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the control panel comprises at least one hook configured to be engaged with the projecting part.
 11. The control panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the projecting part further comprises a hole into which the hook is fitted.
 12. The control panel assembly of claim 8, wherein the control panel comprises a recess for receiving the projecting part.
 13. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window is partially coupled to the control panel by means of a coupling member.
 14. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window has a flange fixed on the control panel by means of a coupling member.
 15. The control panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the flange is formed on an upper end of the window.
 16. The control panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the flange comprises at least one fastening hole.
 17. The control panel assembly of claim 14, wherein the control panel comprises a fastening hole communicating with the fastening hole formed at the flange.
 18. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the window comprises at least one projecting part fitted into the control panel.
 19. The control panel assembly of claim 18, wherein the projecting part is formed at a lower part of the window.
 20. The control panel assembly of claim 18, wherein the control panel comprises a hole for receiving the projecting part.
 21. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the control panel further comprises a step portion for supporting the window.
 22. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet comprises characters, patterns, symbols, and colors indicating functions and status of the washing machine.
 23. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet comprises an explanation about an operation method of the washing machine.
 24. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet comprises a warning or caution with regard to the use of the washing machine.
 25. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet is configured to be able to separated from the control panel or the window.
 26. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet is not attached to the control panel or the window.
 27. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet is exchanged for a different information sheet including different information.
 28. The control panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the information sheet is exchanged for a different information sheet written by a different language. 